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PODCAST

Pardes from Jerusalem

Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies

Pardes from Jerusalem features a weekly discussion using Torah, Talmud and other Jewish texts to explain themes from the weekly Torah portion. The Pardes faculty is featured each week. For more information about all Pardes programs and events visit www.pardes.org.il.

religion & spirituality judaism

All Episodes

38:36

Tazria–Metzora 5786: Embodied Holiness

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/04/12

Can distance be a necessary part of spiritual life?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Tazria–Metzora and the Torah’s complex treatment of the human body. Through discussions of ritual impurity, illness, and healing, they challenge the assumption that spirituality requires distancing from the physical. Instead, they present a vision in which the body is central to religious life—even as it creates moments of distance that require care,

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38:39

Shemini 5786: Discipline and Holiness

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/03/29

What if holiness begins not in peak moments—but in everyday acts of restraint?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Michael Hattin explore Parshat Shemini, moving from the dramatic highs and tragic lows of the Mishkan’s inauguration to the everyday discipline of kashrut. They examine why the Torah offers detailed dietary laws without a clear explanation, and how classical commentators understand their purpose—from physical health to spiritual refinement. The conversation ultimately reframes

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36:26

Pesach 5786: Rethinking the Seder

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/03/22

What would change if we designed the Seder to be experienced—not just completed?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore how the structure of the Seder shapes our experience of the Exodus story. Through creative reinterpretation and educational insight, they ask whether the traditional order fully captures the journey from slavery to freedom—and how small shifts in structure, storytelling, and ritual can make the Seder more meaningful and experiential. The conversation reflects on

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36:43

Vayikra 5786: The Call Within

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/03/15

What might it mean if the Torah’s opening “call” is meant for each of us?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith open the Book of Vayikra by exploring the meaning of God’s “calling” to Moses. Rather than seeing korbanot merely as ancient sacrifices, they reflect on them as a path toward closeness with God. The conversation explores the idea that each person may hear a personal spiritual calling—an inner voice guiding them toward deeper purpose, service, and connection with the

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33:14

Vayakhel-Pehudei 5786: Sacred Reflection

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/03/08

Can self-reflection become a path to holiness?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Vayakhel–Pekudei through a striking detail of the Mishkan: the women’s mirrors used to create the basin for the priests. Drawing on Midrash and interpretation, they reflect on how mirrors symbolize self-awareness and identity—reminding us that serving God begins with knowing who we are. The conversation asks how self-reflection, relationships, and moral intention can

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40:57

Purim 5786: Wealth and Power

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/03/05

What does Jewish tradition teach about the right way to use wealth and power? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Shalhevet Kahana explore Parshat Ki Tisa and the story of Purim through the lens of wealth and power. From the mitzvah of the machatzit hashekel to the lavish excess of Achashverosh’s court, they examine how money in Megillat Esther becomes a moral test—used by some to dominate and by others to build community and responsibility. The conversation asks what Jewish tradition

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38:36

Purim 5786: When Celebration Challenges Us

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/02/22

How do we remain faithful to tradition when a sacred text makes us uncomfortable?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman take a thoughtful look at one of the hardest parts of Megillat Esther—the battle scenes at the end of the story. As Purim approaches, they explore different ways to understand these passages: Was the war defensive? A product of its time? Or even intentionally over-the-top? The conversation offers a model for engaging difficult texts with honesty, while

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34:33

Trumah 5786: Building for God

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/02/15

If God wants to dwell among us, what are we building to make that possible?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Raphael Polisuk explore Parshat Trumah and the surprising claim that the Mishkan is not a detour from Sinai, but its fulfillment. They trace how the language of holiness, fire, and divine presence links Mount Sinai to the Tabernacle, reframing the second half of Sefer Shemot as the book’s true destination. The conversation asks what it means to create space for God—not as a

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35:46

Mishpatim 5786: Power and Responsibility

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/02/08

How does Torah teach us to use power without abusing it?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Mishpatim as the Torah’s first sustained encounter with law—and what it reveals about human power and moral responsibility. They examine why revelation leads directly into detailed civil laws, how Torah assumes human failure, and why justice requires limits on authority, wealth, and even righteous intention. The conversation argues that holiness is built not

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37:28

Yitro 5786: A People with a Mission

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/02/01

What responsibility comes with being chosen?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Mike Feuer explore Parshat Yitro and the surprising choice to frame the revelation at Sinai through the presence of Yitro, an outsider. They examine how the Torah presents Jewish chosenness not as exclusivity, but as responsibility—calling Israel to become a mamlechet kohanim, a people devoted to serving God by serving the world. The conversation reflects on how particular covenant and universal mission are

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47:09

Beshalach 5786: Jumping into Freedom

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/01/25

What does it take to truly cross from survival into freedom? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Yiscah Smith explore Parshat Beshalach through the lens of trauma, freedom, and spiritual courage. They examine why the Israelites are not ready for battle, why song only emerges after the splitting of the sea, and how freedom requires more than escape—it demands inner transformation. Moving between text, Midrash, and lived experience, the conversation invites listeners to see the crossing of the sea

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41:38

Bo 5768: Redemption and Repair

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/01/18

Does true redemption include repair for those who caused harm?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Bo through a troubling command: the Israelites’ request for silver and gold from the Egyptians. They unpack why this moment feels ethically uncomfortable and trace how classical commentators—from Ibn Ezra to the Malbim—reframe it not as exploitation, but as justice, dignity, and even reparative healing. Drawing connections to modern debates about reparations, guilt, and

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44:54

Vaera 5786: Unworthy No More

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/01/11

Can redemption begin if we don’t yet believe we deserve it?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Judy Klitzner explore Parshat Va’era at its lowest point, when redemption seems to move backward and hope feels out of reach. Through close literary reading, they trace how slavery erodes self-worth, distorts memory, and traps both the people and Moshe in a cycle of despair. God’s response reframes redemption not only as freedom from suffering, but as a restoration of identity, covenant, and

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32:07

Shemot 5768: The Power of Seeing

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2026/01/04

If redemption begins with seeing, what are we choosing not to see? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Daniel Reifman explore Parshat Shemot as a story shaped by anonymity, forgetting, and the struggle to know—God, others, and ourselves. They trace how the absence of names and divine presence gives way to redemption through acts of moral seeing, from the midwives to Moshe. The conversation asks how awareness, responsibility, and truly seeing others become the first steps toward knowing

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35:32

VaYechi 5768: Shared Responsibility (correction)

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/12/28

What does Jewish leadership demand in uncertain times?In this episode, a conversation on Jewish leadership and communal responsibility explores how Torah values shape philanthropy and public life today. Zvi Hirschfield speaks with Pardes alumnus Marc Baker about moral vision, collective obligation, and translating Jewish texts into action, reflecting on how learning, community, and purpose guide Jewish leadership in a complex contemporary moment.

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36:03

Vayigash 5768: The Power of Remembering

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/12/21

Who carries our collective memory when others forget? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash explore Parshat Vayigash through the remarkable midrashic figure of Serach bat Asher. They trace how Serach becomes a guardian of memory—gently revealing Yosef’s survival to Yaakov, preserving sacred knowledge across generations, and reminding leaders of what must not be forgotten.

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31:04

Miketz 5786: Yosef’s Return

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/12/14

Is Yosef testing his brothers—or struggling to reclaim his own identity?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Meesh Hammer-Kossoy explore Parshat Miketz through Yosef’s puzzling treatment of his brothers and the deeper questions it raises about anger, revenge, and responsibility. They trace classic interpretations—from Ramban and Abarbanel to the Zohar and Rav Yoel Bin-Nun—to ask what motivates Yosef’s actions. Framed by Hanukkah, the conversation culminates in Yosef’s moment of

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36:39

Vayeishev 5786: Grief and Bad Decisions

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/12/07

How does unresolved grief shape the choices we make—and the people we become?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Aviva Lauer explore Parshat Vayeishev through the lens of grief and the ways unresolved pain shapes Yaakov’s choices. They examine how the Torah’s seemingly hopeful opening—vayeishev, “he settled”—quickly gives way to family tension, favoritism, and disaster. Reading Yaakov as a father still mourning Rachel, struggling after Dina’s trauma, and missing the women who once guided him,

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42:19

Vayishlach 5768: Living the Struggle

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/11/30

Can confronting ourselves be the key to transformation?In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Dr. Tal Sessler explore Parshat Vayishlach as a story of identity, fear, and the lifelong struggle to integrate competing parts of the self. They examine Yaakov as the Torah’s first refugee, his preparation to meet Esav through prayer, gifts, and readiness for war, and his mysterious night battle—an internal confrontation that leads to the name Yisrael. Through psychological, philosophical, and modern

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30:33

Vayetze 5768: Struggle and Becoming

Pardes from Jerusalem ·

2025/11/23

Can we truly change—or do we grow by struggling with who we already are? In this episode, Zvi Hirschfield and Rabbi Deborah Anstandig explore Parshat Vayetze through Yaakov’s twenty years in the house of Lavan—not as a tale of transformation, but of confronting the self we already are. They trace Yaakov’s persistent tendencies toward maneuvering, adaptation, and struggling with truth, showing how his experiences mirror our own ongoing battles with identity, integrity, and growth. The conversation

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259 results

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